[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Almost everyone has an opinion on whether the real estate market is a bubble ready to pop right now, but when it comes down to it, the most credible opinions are the ones backed by knowledge and expertise.   We gathered expert opinions from professionals who have devoted their careers to advising others on housing industry trends and predictions.   Bill McBride of Calculated Risk: “It's not clear at all to me...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In today's real estate market, low inventory and high demand are the driving factors behind increasing home prices. Right now, 54% of homes are receiving offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors. The frequency of buyers being willing to pay more than the market data supports is also increasing.   While this is fantastic news for sellers, it can be difficult...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Throughout the last year, there was a tremendous increase in the interest of vacation homes across the country due to the pandemic. This is attributed to the many people who purchased second homes as a way to escape from the challenges of the health crisis. With many professionals working from home and students taking classes remotely, it made sense to see buyers migrating away from...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When it comes to buying a house, you’re looking for the home you’ve always dreamed of. Unfortunately though, there just aren’t that many homes available to purchase in today’s market. Multi-offer scenarios are the new normal, so here are five things to keep in mind when you’re ready to make an offer.   Make a Strong, but Fair Offer   In the past, offering at or near the asking price was...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The real estate market is skyrocketing right now. Luckily for homeowners, residential home values are also on the rise. In 2020 alone, there was a double-digit increase in home values and we’re expecting to head toward similar digits this year.   However, the rising prices are causing some to start questioning affordability in the current housing market. Many are quick to point out  the fact that homes...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The major challenge in today’s housing market is that there are not enough homes on the market for the number of buyers. Simply put, supply can’t keep up with demand. Fortunately, it seems as though change might be on the horizon.   A typical market has a 6-month supply of homes for sale. Anything over that indicates it’s a buyers’ market, but an inventory level below that...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During the height of the pandemic, many homeowners realized their homes didn’t fulfill their lifestyle needs any more. Extra space became highly desirable and as a result, sales of primary residences grew by 9% in 2020. That increase in demand was met by the lowest supply of homes for sale in history and caused prices to skyrocket over the past twelve months.   What does this mean to those...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] For generations, the process of buying and selling a home has generally stayed the same. A homeowner would estimate the value of their house, add on a little extra to allow for negotiating room, and that figure would become the listing price. Buyers would then determine how much less than the full price they could offer and still get the home.   As a result, the actual sales price...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For many, our homes are more than just the place that we live in. Our homes have become our workplaces, schools, and safe haven during the global pandemic. Today, 65.6% of Americans call their homes their own, a rate that has risen to its highest point in 8 years.   As National Homeownership Month kicks off this June, homeowners have every reason to celebrate. We firmly believe that the...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whether you’re making the jump into homeownership or re-evaluating your current home and considering a move, understanding how housing affordability works is always important. It may help those who are ready to buy a home narrow down the optimal window of time in which to make a purchase.   There are three main factors that go into determining how affordable homes are. They are mortgage rates, mortgage...